Synonyms of separation

separation

noun

ˌse-pə-ˈrā-shən 

1

as in dissolution

the act or process of a whole separating into two or more parts or pieces

the separation of Norway and Sweden into two independent nations in 1905

Synonyms & Similar Words

• dissolution
• split
• breakup
• partition
• division
• schism
• fractionation
• cleavage
• dispersion
• bifurcation
• dispersal
• fractionalization
• disunion
• sundering
• divorce
• decomposition
• distribution
• scission
• polarization
• segregation
• subdivision
• rupture
• severance
• isolation
• segmentation
• diffusion
• breach
• administration
• scattering
• apportionment
• dismemberment
• atomization
• seclusion
• disassembly
• dichotomization
• sequestration

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• union
• unification
• association
• connection
• attachment
• conjunction
• assemblage
• linkage
• combination
• consolidation
• link
• fusion
• aggregation
• linkup

2

as in distinction

the state of being kept distinct

the separation of church and state is an important concept in the United States

Synonyms & Similar Words

• distinction
• discrimination
• demarcation
• differentiation
• discreteness
• isolation
• segregation

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• confusion
• blurring

3

as in divergence

a movement in different directions away from a common point

a sudden separation of the herd of deer when they were startled

Synonyms & Similar Words

• divergence
• divergency
• difference
• diversity
• bifurcation
• parting of the ways
• divarication
• disagreement
• disparity
• distinctness
• dissimilarity
• distinctiveness
• discrepancy
• dissidence
• distinction
• unlikeness
• disparateness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• convergence
• agreement
• similarity
• accord
• likeness

4

as in gap

an open space in a barrier (as a wall or hedge)

the narrow separation between posts in the fence

Synonyms & Similar Words

• gap
• hole
• interval
• rift
• discontinuity
• crevice
• opening
• breach
• void
• fissure
• rent
• crack
• break
• gulf
• hiatus
• split
• interstice
• slit
• cavity
• cleft
• fracture
• severance
• slot
• pore
• aperture
• rupture
• chasm
• abyss
• orifice
• interspace
• notch
• sundering
• cranny
• chink
• gape

5

as in departure

the act or process of two or more persons going off in different directions

friends who dreaded the inevitable separation after graduation

Synonyms & Similar Words

• departure
• farewell
• flight
• leaving
• parting
• withdrawal
• exodus
• exiting
• leave-taking
• egress
• quitting
• exit
• desertion
• going
• abandonment
• running away
• forsaking
• decampment
• decamping

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• reunion
• arrival
• meeting
• joining
• welcome
• greeting
• gathering
• salutation

6

as in divider

something that divides, separates, or marks off

a filing cabinet with lots of adjustable separations

Synonyms & Similar Words

• divider
• fence
• wall
• partition
• separator
• division
• barrier
• boundary
• border
• limit

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of separation

In The Next Day, French Gates called the separation one of her life’s most difficult transitions. — Sarah Glodek, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026

Central to the reorganization is an institutional separation between standard setting and conformity assessment—the process used to determine whether a product, facility or company satisfies those standards. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 20 Aug. 2026

After their separation, they were spotted together multiple times, but their romantic relationship wasn’t rekindled until the COVID-19 pandemic. — Grace Gavilanes, PEOPLE, 20 Aug. 2026

While Salaün limped, Miles stepped back behind the 3-point line, taking advantage of the separation like an estranged spouse. — Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026